Iraq Bombings Kill 21

Iraqi officials say at least 21 people were killed on Thursday in a pair of bombings at two busy markets in and around Baghdad.

Police say the deadlier attack occurred in the Sabaa al-Bour district, north of the capital, where three bombs exploded and killed at least 14 people. A separate bombing in the Dura area, south of Baghdad killed seven.

There have been no claims of responsibility.

Iraq has seen a surge in terrorism and violence this year amid tension between the country's Sunni minorities and the Shi'ite-led government. The attacks have raised fears of all-out sectarian warfare.

The U.N. says more than 4,000 people have been killed between April and August of this year.